Short answer
When designing or redesigning terraced environments, consider their historical evolution and potential for multifaceted benefits beyond their original purpose, such as ecological restoration and cultural preservation.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022)
- Method
- Bibliometric analysis and thematic mapping
- Sample
- 349 research papers
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The historical design and evolution of terraced landscapes reveal a shift from purely functional agricultural structures to complex systems valued for their ecological and cultural contributions. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Using Bibliometric analysis and thematic mapping with 349 research papers, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing or redesigning terraced environments, consider their historical evolution and potential for multifaceted benefits beyond their original purpose, such as ecological restoration and cultural preservation.
Terraced landscapes evolve from agricultural necessity to sustainable ecological assets
The historical design and evolution of terraced landscapes reveal a shift from purely functional agricultural structures to complex systems valued for their ecological and cultural contributions.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2022
Key Findings
- 01Terrace research has shown an increasing trend, with a surge in publications in the last decade.
- 02Current research modules include terrace landscape, agriculture, abandonment, land use change, soil and water conservation, and sustainable utilization.
- 03The research trajectory points towards sustainable development, focusing on ecological agriculture and ecosystem services.
- 04China leads in current terrace research, with a focus on agricultural production, engineering, tourism, and ecology.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing or redesigning terraced environments, consider their historical evolution and potential for multifaceted benefits beyond their original purpose, such as ecological restoration and cultural preservation.
How to apply
When approaching a design project involving terraced land, research its historical use, the reasons for its current state (e.g., abandonment or continued use), and its potential for ecological and social benefits.
Project actions
- 01When researching a traditional design element, look at how its purpose and perception have changed over time.
- 02Consider how environmental and social factors have shaped the evolution of classic designs.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a broad, long-term overview of research trends.
- +Uses quantitative methods to identify key themes and evolutionary paths.
Limitations
This study focuses on academic literature, so it might miss practical, on-the-ground design adaptations or local knowledge not published in journals.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the bibliometric analysis depends on the comprehensiveness of the database and the consistency of keyword usage. Validity is supported by the use of multiple analytical techniques (co-occurrence, cluster, thematic evolution).
Think critically
How might the 'academic influence' of earlier research versus the 'number of papers' in later research reflect a shift in the perceived importance or complexity of terraced field studies?
Design Principles
"Design interventions should acknowledge and build upon the historical functional and cultural significance of established landscape typologies."
Understanding the historical trajectory of terraced designs provides valuable context for contemporary design challenges. It highlights how form and function have adapted over time, influenced by environmental, social, and economic factors, offering lessons for designing resilient and multi-functional landscapes.
What This Means for Your Design
Old farming terraces, once just for growing food, are now seen as important for nature and culture, and research shows this understanding is growing.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the historical context and evolving significance of a chosen design subject, especially if it relates to landscape, agriculture, or sustainability.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The evolution of terraced landscapes, as analyzed through bibliometric data from 1991-2020, indicates a significant shift from a primary focus on agricultural production to a broader appreciation of their roles in ecological services, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. This trajectory suggests that classic designs are not static but dynamic entities that adapt to changing societal and environmental priorities, offering a valuable precedent for contemporary design projects seeking to integrate multiple functional and aesthetic considerations.
Source
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Evolutionary Overview of Terrace Research Based on Bibliometric Analysis in Web of Science from 1991 to 2020
journal · 2022
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about terraced landscapes evolve from agricultural necessity to sustainable ecological assets?
- When designing or redesigning terraced environments, consider their historical evolution and potential for multifaceted benefits beyond their original purpose, such as ecological restoration and cultural preservation. Evidence: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022).
- Why does "Terraced landscapes evolve from agricultural necessity to sustainable ecological assets" matter for design?
- Understanding the historical trajectory of terraced designs provides valuable context for contemporary design challenges. It highlights how form and function have adapted over time, influenced by environmental, social, and economic factors, offering lessons for designing resilient and multi-functional landscapes.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing or redesigning terraced environments, consider their historical evolution and potential for multifaceted benefits beyond their original purpose, such as ecological restoration and cultural preservation.
- What were the main findings?
- Terrace research has shown an increasing trend, with a surge in publications in the last decade.. Current research modules include terrace landscape, agriculture, abandonment, land use change, soil and water conservation, and sustainable utilization.. The research trajectory points towards sustainable development, focusing on ecological agriculture and ecosystem services.. China leads in current terrace research, with a focus on agricultural production, engineering, tourism, and ecology.
- What research method was used?
- Bibliometric analysis and thematic mapping with 349 research papers.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2022 journal from International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When approaching a design project involving terraced land, research its historical use, the reasons for its current state (e.g., abandonment or continued use), and its potential for ecological and social benefits.
- What are the limitations?
- The analysis is based on published research and may not capture all aspects of terraced landscape design and practice. The influence of academic impact may vary across different research periods.